We came to the Prophet (S.A.W) and we were young men nearly of equal ages and we stayed with him for twenty nights....
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated by Malik (R.A)
We came to the Prophet (S.A.W) and we were young men nearly of equal ages and we stayed with him for twenty nights. Allah’s Apostle was a very kind man and when he realized our longing for our families, he asked us about those whom we had left behind. When we informed him, he said, “Go back to your families and stay with them and teach them (religion) and order them (to do good deeds). The Prophet mentioned things some of which I remembered and some I did not. Then he said, “Pray as you have seen me praying, and when it is the time of prayer, one of you should pronounce the call (Adhan) for the prayer and the eldest of you should lead the prayer.”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 91, Number 352
Fatima al-Fihri, an Arab Muslim woman, is celebrated for founding the world’s oldest existing, continually operating degree-granting university, the University of Al Quaraouiyine, in Fez, Morocco, in 859 CE. Her pioneering initiative has left a lasting legacy in the field of education and serves as a testament to the historical contributions of women to academia.
Born into a wealthy family in the 9th century, Fatima al-Fihri was deeply committed to the principles of education and philanthropy. Following the death of her father, she and her sister inherited a significant fortune. Determined to utilize her wealth for the betterment of society, Fatima embarked on a remarkable journey to establish a center of learning that would benefit future generations.
Fatima al-Fihri’s vision culminated in the creation of the University of Al Quaraouiyine, initially established as a mosque and later expanded into a renowned educational institution. The university quickly gained prominence as a leading center for Islamic studies, attracting scholars from across the Muslim world. Under Fatima’s patronage, the university flourished, offering a wide array of subjects, including theology, grammar, rhetoric, logic, mathematics, and astronomy.
The University of Al Quaraouiyine’s reputation for academic excellence continued to grow over the centuries, solidifying its status as a prestigious seat of learning. It played a pivotal role in the preservation and dissemination of knowledge during the Islamic Golden Age, contributing significantly to advancements in various fields of study.
Fatima al-Fihri’s legacy extends far beyond the establishment of the university. Her pioneering efforts in promoting education, particularly for women, challenged societal norms and paved the way for greater inclusivity in academia. Her example serves as an inspiration to future generations, highlighting the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of visionary individuals.
Today, the University of Al Quaraouiyine stands as a testament to Fatima al-Fihri’s enduring legacy, embodying her commitment to education, knowledge, and philanthropy. As the oldest existing university in the world, it continues to uphold its tradition of academic excellence, ensuring that Fatima’s legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of scholars around the globe.
